Kitting Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description

Company Overview

AMS Group, Inc. is a leading distributor, manufacturer and supplier of engineered aerospace and defense systems, components, and subsystems, providing innovative technologies and logistics support to defense and security markets. We are a rapidly growing small business (100 employees) with our headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia and offices in Stevensville, Maryland; Kearneysville, West Virginia; San Diego and Torrance, California. AMS Group, Inc. and its business units are committed to conducting business in a legal, ethical, and socially responsible manner. We consistently focus on creating value and innovation to benefit our partners, clients and customers while also ensuring the health, safety and welfare of our employees and the communities in which we operate.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Inventory and Kitting Manager for our AMS Operations business unit based in Torrance, CA.

The Inventory and Kitting Manager is responsible for the planning, control, accuracy, and execution of all inventories, warehousing, material handling, and kitting operations. This position ensures that materials are accurately received, stored, controlled, picked, and issued to both internal production and external manufacturing partners in compliance with company procedures, customer requirements, and applicable quality standards.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage receiving, stocking, issuing, transferring, cycle counting, and physical inventory activities.

Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, transaction errors, and material variances.

Coordinate closely with Production Planning, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Quality teams to ensure material availability.

Manage all kitting activities supporting manufacturing and assembly operations.

Ensure production kits are complete, accurate, and delivered to manufacturing according to production schedules.

Optimize kitting processes to improve productivity and reduce manufacturing disruptions.

Implement visual controls and standardized work instructions for kit preparation and replenishment.

Continuously improve warehouse efficiency, space utilization, and material flow.

Maintain FIFO, lot traceability, shelf-life controls, and material segregation requirements.

Ensure proper handling and storage of electronic components, mechanical parts, government-furnished property, and sensitive materials.

Employees will be trained and held accountable for packaging and labeling requirements in accordance with applicable commercial and military specifications/standards.

Maintain accurate records related to receiving, inspection status, inventory transactions, and material disposition.

Serve as a key user and subject matter expert for inventory-related ERP functions.

Identify and implement process improvements that increase inventory accuracy, reduce labor costs, and improve material availability.

Promote workplace safety and compliance with all company policies.

Position will receive daily work priorities from the Manufacturing leader and Supply Chain leader through their dotted line reporting to onsite operational leadership.

Own receiving throughput and dock-to-stock flow, ensuring material moves from receipt through inspection to put-away within defined cycle-time targets.

Develop and cross-train warehouse staff on military and special packaging requirements to eliminate single points of failure.

Maintain complete and timely ERP (Business Central) transactions for all receipts, moves, issues, and shipments, including photo documentation of received and shipped material.

Provide the Director of Supply Chain with accurate, timely data on materials needed for production and on-hand inventory positions to support procurement, planning, and re-ordering efforts.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS & ACCOUNTABILITY

Performance in this role is measured against the following metrics, aligned to the AMS Operations Performance Framework (Fulfillment Operations). Proposed targets will be baselined and confirmed with the Quality Lead.

Primary KPIs (per the AMS Operations Performance Framework - Fulfillment Operations):

Inventory Record Accuracy (IRA): =98% by location and =99.5% by dollar value.

Pick Accuracy: =99.9% (correct picks total picks 100).

Shipment Accuracy: =95% to quarterly targets.

Supporting Operational Metrics (to be baselined, then confirmed with the Quality Lead):

Dock-to-Stock Cycle Time & Receiving Backlog: median business days from receipt to put-away, with open items awaiting put-away held below an agreed threshold (proposed =2 business days once baselined).

Cycle Count Program Adherence: 100% of scheduled cycle counts completed on time, supported by a standardized bin-naming convention.

Kit On-Time Delivery & Kit Accuracy: =98% of kits complete, accurate, and delivered to production on schedule.

Packaging & Labeling Compliance: 100% of outbound shipments packaged, marked, and labeled to customer and military specifications, including MIL-STD-129.

ERP / Business Central Transaction Timeliness & Accuracy: =98% of receipts, moves, and issues transacted on the same business day, including photo documentation.

Training & Work Instruction Currency: 100% of warehouse staff current on assigned LMS training (including military and special packaging); all work instructions reviewed and updated on a defined cycle.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Minimum Requirements

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Proficiency in modern workplace software: Microsoft 365 including Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Adobe Acrobat.

Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds.

Ability to operate warehouse equipment such as pallet jacks and forklifts (certification preferred).

Ability to work in both office and warehouse environments.

WORK EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business or related field is preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.

Knowledge with regards to Mil Spec packaging and labeling. Having the ability to read and understand Special Packaging Instruction (SPI) requirements.

5+ years of experience in inventory control, warehouse management, stockroom management, or kitting operations.

Experience working in aerospace, defense, electronics manufacturing, or other regulated manufacturing environments.

Experience in an AS9100-certified or similar manufacturing environment.

Experience supporting low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environments.

Experience working with a diverse range of product types including electrical and mechanical components, shelf-life components, and value-add processed components.

Language Skills: Bilingual (English/Spanish) - professional working proficiency

Experience with ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or similar.

US Citizenship required.

AMS Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of the ITAR. The ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.